Changing the Tide

How to turn the status quo into status go.

When an organization plateaus and is obviously living in the past, both financially and mentally, it is hard to make the changes necessary to move forward. You see the train and continually miss it hoping to get aboard the next town only to realize that by the time you catch it, the route has changed. I feel strategic momentum begins from the top and works down. Now that is not to say that it has to come in stages for your shoes are as important as your hair when it comes to that first impression and most businesses can benefit from these first impressions.
In today's economy, it is important to not forget those on the bottom. For those are the people who are usually representing your shoes. They are the one that are behind the scenes making sure all the finishing touches are in place. Things from the logo stamp that used to appear in ash trays to the fresh feel of going into a public restroom or the looks of a perfectly set room for a meeting or reception.
In my organization, (and I know in others of course as well), we equate experience with education. It does not always matter what your pedigree is if you don't have the field experience behind it. An experienced custodian not only saves time but also saves inventory costs by being more efficient. It is a shame that base pay and pay increases do not reflect this. I realize that for hte most part, these positions are considered "un-skilled". However, as stated above, these individuals save thousands a year if they are dedicated and satisfied with their station in the field.
It is also important to realize that the less of a livable wage earned can increase company health care cost and can result in production deficits. Generally speaking, the cost of food has a direct effect on the health of individuals. If you have to decide on getting gas to go to work or fresh fruit and vegetables, the latter usually loses out. So these individuals may become ill more often because of the possible inability to consume proper nutrients. Also, the lower the wage the more risk one takes in keeping their vehicles in a proper operating condition thus more vehicle breakdowns equates with loss of production and bad moral as others have to pick up the slack.
Remember head to toe. For more often then not, the lower echelon in your company often are the first to greet the upper echelon of your clients and patrons.